National Languages of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has two official national languages: Sinhala and Tamil. The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, in Chapter IV (Language), Article 19, declares “The National Languages of Sri Lanka shall be Sinhala and Tamil.”

Sinhala Language

Sinhala is an Indo-Aryan language predominantly spoken by the Sinhalese people, who make up the majority of the population. It is spoken by approximately 74.9% of Sri Lanka’s population, amounting to about 16.6 million speakers. This language is written using the Sinhala script and is also used by a significant number of Moors and Indian Tamils in Sri Lanka. Around 92% of the population is able to speak Sinhala, highlighting its broad use across the island.
Language Codes for Sinhala:

• ISO 639-1: si
• ISO 639-2: sin

Tamil Language

Tamil is a Dravidian language with a rich cultural history. It is spoken by native Sri Lankan Tamils and Sri Lankan Moor population, as well as by Indian Tamils in the country. Approximately 19% of the population, or about 3.8 million people, speak Tamil. It is one of the oldest classical languages still in use today. Tamil is written using the Tamil script, and it is widely spoken not only in Sri Lanka but also in other parts of the world. As of 2019, the global number of Tamil speakers was estimated at around 86 million.
Language Codes for Tamil:

• ISO 639-1: ta
• ISO 639-2: tam

Role of English and Other Languages

English plays an important role in Sri Lanka, particularly in education, commerce, and scientific work. While it is not a national language, it serves as a link language for communication between communities.

Apart from Sinhala and Tamil, there are other languages spoken in Sri Lanka, though by smaller groups. These include Creole Malay, Sri Lankan Portuguese Creole, and the Veddah language. These languages add to the rich linguistic diversity of the island.

Legal Framework for Language Use

The Constitution of Sri Lanka, specifically Chapter IV (Language), ensures that both Sinhala and Tamil are used in various official contexts. Articles 20 to 25 outline the following key provisions:

• Use of National Languages in Parliament, Provincial Councils, and Local Authorities: Both Sinhala and Tamil are used in these legislative bodies.
• Medium of Instruction: Schools must provide instruction in both Sinhala and Tamil, and English could use for higher and further education purposes
• Languages of Administration: Government offices provide services in both national languages.
• Language of Legislation: Laws are enacted in Sinhala and Tamil.
• Language of the Courts: Legal proceedings are conducted in both languages.
• Provision for adequate facilities for use of languages provided for in this Chapter: The government ensures that adequate facilities are available for the use of both languages in all official contexts.
• Provision of any law inconsistent with this Chapter deemed to be repealed: Any law that contradicts these provisions is considered repealed.

This legal framework guarantees that both Sinhala and Tamil enjoy equal status in the country’s administration and public life.